A South Wales Police spokesman said they were still investigating the incident.

"We are still looking for a suspect."

Speaking earlier Merthyr Tydfil Inspector John Diffey said: “It is understandable that the community is alarmed – this incident causes us concern and we are taking it very seriously.

“However, we are urging people to remain calm while we investigate what happened. Parents should be alert to the situation.”

He added: “At this stage, we are treating the incident as an assault.”

The suspect – who ran off into nearby forestry – is described as being between 30 and 40 years old, around 5ft 10in with an average build. He had dark, shoulder length hair and what has been described as a mole on the side of his nose.